How to Treat Your Tresses to Avoid Damaging Your Hair
You wash, you dry, you style, you color, you pile on the hair products! Could it be that you are sabotaging your own ‘do? Each day brings a new opportunity for you to inadvertently maltreat your mane. Heed these tips and tricks to make sure you aren’t roughing up the only head of hair you’ll ever have!
1. Watch How You Wash
For starters, wash your hair as little as possible. No need to wash every day – especially if you have nowhere to be. Don’t hesitate to go several days without washing (don a cute hat from time to time!) to give your hair a break from all that washing. The natural oils your head produces will condition your hair and will actually make your hair less oily in the long run.
Now that it’s time to wash, make sure you’re using a respectable shampoo and conditioner that will improve your hair. Many on the market simply don’t do your hair any favors. Try Keranique, a shampoo and conditioner that works to revitalize dry or damaged hair. Formulated with the powerful ingredient, keratin, Keranique works at the root level to promote healthy new growth for locks that are shinier, fuller, and stronger. Pair with Keranique’s regrowth and repair treatments, formulated to promote healthy regrowth, reduce damage, banish frizz, and boost shine!
Tip: Don’t use a brush on wet hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle after applying your leave-in conditioner. Start at the bottom of your locks and move upward toward your crown as you comb out the tangles.
2. Halt the Heat
As often as possible, skip the blow dryer and let your hair air-dry. The same goes for styling with heat of any kind: a curling iron, straightener, etc. Give it a rest! The less you cook your tresses, the less damage there will be. Don’t be hesitant to wear a braid or ponytail several days a week to avoid over-styling.
Tip: Many hair types are perfectly friendly to a wet bun that dries into manageable beachy waves. Give it a shot!
3. Scheme With Your Stylist
A good hair stylist is a gal’s best friend. Ask them what a reasonable amount of time would be in between color treatments, and take it to the max. When you do go for color, perhaps you can get away with only coloring the roots every other visit or so. The less processing of your hair, the healthier it will be.
Also ask your stylist to do you a favor and clip off all split ends. Visit regularly for trims (more often than for color) to keep those ends in check.
Tip: Ask your stylist to schedule regular trims (and even colors) in advance. Write the dates on your calendar so you’re sure to go often enough for trims, and are not tempted to go too often for color.
4. Manage Your Mane by What You Put in Your Mouth
It’s true… healthy hair (and skin!) are often reflective of a diet rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. Just like other parts of your body, your hair responds well to a well-hydrated body and a healthy diet. Take vitamins, eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and drink lots of water! Cut out useless sugars and processed foods in order to maintain the healthiest body and hair possible!
Tip: Always carry a full water bottle around with you to ensure you’re getting enough H2O! Stock your fridge and pantry with yummy fruits, veggies, and healthy nuts so you’re never without good snack and meal choices!
Scott Vance
Her contributions on several hair care forums and blogs attract a huge number of readers because they find her solutions effective and simple. Scott has started sharing her expertise on Hairlossly also now.
